Prebiotics and UC
In a recent blog I touched on the role of probiotics in UC. Another burgeoning area of research is the utility of "prebiotics" in the treatment of UC. Prebiotics are non-digestible dietary carbohydrates (think fiber, bran, germinated barley) that help protect the normal bacteria of the colon, stimulate the growth/metabolism of colon cells, and aid in the production of protective mucus lining the colon. When these food products are ingested, bacteria in the colon ferment them to make chemicals called "short chain fatty acids" or SCFAs. Scientists believe that these SCFAs may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce colon inflammation in UC.
At present, only a handful of studies examining prebiotics in UC have been performed in humans. In one study of patients with mild to moderate UC, consumption of germinated barley foodstuff showed a significant reduction in disease activity up to 24 weeks. Another investigation showed that UC patients in remission who consumed 20 grams of germinated barley foodstuff daily had improved clinical results and fewer relapses than patients who were not taking the prebiotic. No significant side effects were noted in either study.
While no studies have conclusively shown that any specific type of food causes or worsens UC, these investigations raise the interesting possibility that certain foods may be helpful in decreasing inflammation. There is no data to suggest that these food products can or should replace standard medicines; rather, they may serve as a helpful adjuvant in the management of UC.